Electric bikes cost more than traditional bikes with similar specs, but you don’t have to break the budget to get started in the eBike world.
A growing number of low price electric bikes have come to market, making it easy and affordable to get rolling.
We’ll compare the best electric bikes under $500.
Because a $500 eBike is at the lower end of the price spectrum, you won’t get all the same features you’ll see on pricier models. You may have to compromise here and there.
Most sub-$500 models also target city use and portability. Many even fold for easy transport and storage.
But you might be surprised by what’s available in the under-$500 price range. We found some solid choices.
However, you won’t find as many free shipping offers at this price point. Shipping costs can range from free up to $60.
Many electric bike manufacturers focus on the $1,000 and up category. But as eBikes continue to grow in popularity, expect more affordable choices from a wider range of manufacturers.
Shop carefully in this price range, some of the options that come up under searches don’t have pedals. While using the throttle to get around has its appeal, electric bikes climb hills better with pedal assist. A bike without pedals is a scooter. And that could mean you’re walking up hills or pushing when the battery dies. The list below only includes pedal-equipped bikes.
We also looked for electric bikes with dual disc brakes, finding five eBikes worthy of a closer look.
5 Best Electric Bikes Under $500
Ranging in tire size from 12 inches to 26 inches and ranging in price from $449 to just a whisker under $500, here are our top picks for electric bikes under $500.
Engwe T14 350W Mini eBike
As big Engwe eBike fans, we were pleased to find an Engwe bike priced under $500, and shipping is free to most US locations.
In typical Engwe style, you’ll get more than you expect for the price tag. With the T14, that means a power 10AH battery, full suspension including suspension seat, folding portability, and a powerful 350-watt motor capable of 680 watts peak output.
This is a single speed bike, so operation is a breeze even for beginners. Choose from smart sensing pedal assist or throttle-only mode.
A wide range of adjustability makes the T14 suitable for riders from 5’1″ to about 6′. But as with all smaller eBikes, taller riders might feel cramped on longer rides. Engwe rates weight carrying capacity at 220 pounds.
A front headlight aids visibility at night, but there is no rear light.
The Engwe T14 also comes with a rear seat for additional passengers. However, keep weight ratings in mind when carry extra cargo. As another option, a pannier bag set tossed over the rear set turns the T14 into a capable grocery-getter or commuting bike.
Engwe T14 350W Mini eBike
- 14-inch tires
- Single speed
- Up to 45-mile range with pedal assist
- 20 MPH top speed
- 450-watt rear hub motor
- Full suspension
- Currently priced at $499.00
This compact folding city bike punches above its weight when it comes to value, with a powerful motor, full suspension, built-in headlight, and 48V 10AH battery.
With a 350-watt motor and smooth-riding tires, this eBike is best suited to flatter terrain and flattening road imperfections in city environments.
DYU D2F 12-Inch Folding Electric Bike Overview
While not the smallest electric bike DYU offers, the D2F is the smallest in this lineup with its 12-inch tires. However, extensive adjustment heights for the handlebars and seat make this ebike more versatile than it looks. Still, as an electric bike with a smaller frame, the DYU D2F is best suited for teens and smaller adults.
The D2F’s safety features are impressive for an ebike priced at less than $450. You’ll get front and rear disc brakes as well as a headlight and brake light.
The D2F is a single-speed but offers both pedal-assist mode and throttle mode for those times when you just don’t feel like pedaling. Hold the throttle for eight seconds to activate cruise control.
A 360 watt-hour battery paired with a 250-watt motor translates to long-lasting performance. DYU estimates battery life at up to 25 miles with pedal assist. In throttle-only mode or on hilly terrain, expect lower range.
DYU D2F Highlights
- 12-inch tires
- Folding handlebars
- Up to 25-mile range with pedal assist
- 15 MPH top speed
- 250-watt rear hub motor
- Dual disc brakes
- Currently priced at $449
For easy-to-carry mobility at an affordable price, it’s tough to beat the sturdy D2F. However, with 12-inch wheels, this spirited ebike won’t be a perfect fit for taller riders.
New customers use coupon code hello20 at checkout to save $20 on your order.
DYU D3F 14-Inch Electric Bike Overview
Stepping up in wheel size to 14 inches from the D2F’s 12-inch wheels, the DYU D3F offers longer battery life and slightly larger tires to improve road comfort. Another benefit of larger wheels often comes in the form of performance. Larger wheels offer more rotational inertia, meaning they keep rolling longer compared to smaller wheels. That’s less work for you and less work for the motor. If you can spare the extra $50, the jump up in features and performance for the D3F makes a sound investment.
Expect a full complement of safety features, including front and rear disc brakes, a headlight, and a brake light. Like the D2F, the D3F offers cruise control as well.
DYU’s D3F comes with a 265-pound weight carrying capacity. However, it does not come with a rear rack like the Jetson J5 (next up). If you need to add a rack, a seat post rack might provide a simple solution.
DYU D3F Highlights
- 14-inch tires
- Folding handlebars
- Up to 37-mile range with pedal assist
- 15 MPH top speed
- 250-watt rear hub motor
- Dual disc brakes
- Currently priced at $499
14-inch wheels give the D3F more predictable handling without a weight penalty.
Dual disc brakes offer stop-on-a-dime performance.
New customers use coupon code hello20 at checkout to save $20 on your order.
Jetson J5 14-Inch Electric Bike Overview
Okay, who else has the Jetsons cartoon theme song stuck in their head now? As futuristic as it is affordable, the Jetson J5 delivers a solid electric bike value at under $500. You’ll get 14-inch tires for increased comfort and a stylish design that incorporates a 180-watt hour battery beneath the top tube.
The smaller battery paired with a 350-watt battery results in shorter battery life compared to some electric bikes in the under $500 price range. However, the extra 100 watts of power from the rear hub motor comes in handy on hills.
The Jetson J5 comes with a rear rack installed, ready for work or play. Dual disc brakes bring the bike to a quick stop when needed. Instead of a light package, the J5 comes with standard reflectors. The handlebars leave ample room to install an aftermarket headlight for nighttime safety.
Like the DYU models and the Ancheer (up next), the Jetson J5’s handlebars fold for easy storage and transport.
Jetson J5 Highlights
- 14-inch tires
- Folding handlebars
- Up to 30-mile range with pedal assist
- 15 MPH top speed
- 350-watt rear hub motor
- Portable at 38 pounds
- Currently priced at $499
You may have seen the smaller Jetson ebikes around, but with 14-inch wheels and a capable 350-watt motor, the Jetson J5 may make a better choice for many riders.
ANCHEER 500W 14-Inch Electric Bike Overview
Ancheer offers the most powerful motor of the group, listed at 500 watts of power. However, the advertised output doesn’t always offer an accurate indication of real-world performance. Where the rubber meets the road, expect all these mini eBikes to have fairly similar performance. Ancheer pairs the 500-watt motor to a 360-watt-hour battery.
The mini Ancheer ups the game in a few different ways, though. You’ll get a Bluetooth-connected app that keeps you informed on the bike’s vitals and speed settings. The Ancheer also comes with a suspension seat to smooth out the bumps in your journey.
Safety features include a headlight and dual mechanical disc brakes.
Folding handlebars make the Ancheer easy to stow in your trunk, while a lightweight design makes it easy to carry.
When considering electric bikes under $500, put Ancheer on your list.
ANCHEER 500W Highlights
- 14-inch tires
- Folding handlebars
- Up to 20-mile range with pedal assist
- 20 MPH top speed
- 500-watt rear hub motor
- Lightweight 38 pounds
- Bluetooth for Ancheer App connectivity
- Currently priced at $489.99
14-inch tires on a 500-watt electric bike make the Ancheer a miniature powerhouse you can stow in the car trunk or in a small space. At 20 miles, The Ancheer’s range is the most limited in this roundup.
Is a Small Electric Bike Right for You?
When comparing electric bikes under $500, you’ll find a lot of small folding electric bikes designed for city use and portability. If you ride in a relatively flat area, these affordable eBikes could be a fit. However, they bring some handling differences compared to a traditional bike design.
Many folding bikes come with narrow handlebars. Combined with smaller wheels, the handling can be much quicker than you might expect if you’ve only ridden larger bikes. In tight city environments, fast handling can be a benefit. But it can also take some time to get accustomed to the bike.
Size may be less of an issue than you might think when looking at a smaller bike. Expect ample adjustment options for the handlebars and seat post. Many smaller folding eBikes are suitable for riders up to about 5’9″.
However, taller riders might be more comfortable with a larger bike.
Weight carrying capacity might also surprise you. For example, the DYU D2F (priced lowest in our roundup) can carry up to 265 pounds.
If you can stretch the budget, you’ll find more options in the $700+ range. For example, the Macwheel Macmission 100 offers a solid value in a full-size mid-step frame with long battery life.
Choosing the Best Electric Bike Under $500
Finding an electric bike under $500 isn’t impossible, but the selection is limited compared to higher price points. Before making a buying decision, give some thought to how you’ll use the bike. If the models available in your price range aren’t a perfect match for the way you’ll ride, it may be wiser to move your price range further north. You’ll find more options.
For some buyers, however, one of the models in our roundup might fit their needs perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to ride a bike with small wheels?
Bikes with smaller wheels typically accelerate faster, brake faster, and turn faster than bikes with larger wheels. It may take some time to adjust to how the bike handles compared to larger bikes.
The trade-off to faster acceleration is that bikes with smaller wheels have to work harder to maintain speed. Larger wheels maintain more inertia, helping them to stay at speed.
Riders may also notice bumps and road imperfections more on a bike with small wheels.
Why do people get bikes with small wheels?
One of the primary reasons people buy bikes with small wheels is portability. Small bikes that fold can easily fit in the trunk of most cars and can be stowed in small areas in your home or office.
Price is another attraction because many times, bikes with small wheels, particularly electric bikes, are priced more affordably compared to larger bikes.
